Topic/ theme
Communication and collaboration in education, Inclusion and equality, Family engagement in learning, Social and emotional learning, School wellbeing.
Sending partners
Educational organizations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: kindergartens, schools, adult education centres, training organisations, NGOs and other institutions working in education and youth development established in Erasmus+ programme countries.
Participants
20–25 adults involved in education.
Course fee
According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per training day, including course preparation, training, materials, administrative and organisational costs and 24-hour emergency support.
Trainers
A multinational team of trainers from Portugal, Romania, Spain, Greece, Italy and other European countries with experience in teacher training, inclusive education and communication skills.
Languages used
English. Training materials are provided in English. On request, support in Spanish or French can be provided.
Profile of participants
Teachers, school leaders, counsellors, educators and trainers working in formal or non-formal education who want to strengthen communication with parents and caregivers. Participants may have different levels of experience but share an interest in improving collaboration between families and educational institutions and in developing inclusive communication strategies.
Objectives
• Understand the importance of effective communication between educators and parents.
• Develop active listening and empathy skills.
• Learn techniques for constructive dialogue with families.
• Identify communication barriers between schools and parents.
• Practice assertive communication in sensitive or challenging conversations.
• Strengthen trust and collaboration between families and educational institutions.
• Explore strategies for engaging parents in children’s learning processes.
• Learn approaches for managing conflict and misunderstandings.
• Develop culturally sensitive communication strategies.
• Design practical approaches for improving family-school communication.
Learning outcomes
Participants will:
• understand the principles of effective communication with parents and caregivers
• develop active listening and empathy skills
• recognise communication barriers in family-school relationships
• apply assertive communication techniques in challenging conversations
• develop strategies for building trust with families from diverse backgrounds
• practice conflict management in communication with parents
• design communication strategies that strengthen family engagement in learning
Details of activities and methodology
Day 1
Communication and relationships in education
Course introduction.
Needs and expectations evaluation.
Icebreaker activities focused on communication styles.
Exploring the importance of family–school partnerships.
Understanding the role of parents and caregivers in learning.
Group discussion: challenges in communication with families.
Reflection activity: personal experiences with family–school communication.
Team-building exercises.
Methodology: group discussion, reflection exercises, interactive activities.
Day 2
Foundations of effective communication
What is effective communication? Presentation and discussion.
Communication models and common communication barriers.
Active listening techniques.
Recognising emotional signals in conversations.
Pair work: listening and paraphrasing exercises.
Case studies on communication misunderstandings between educators and parents.
Methodology: presentations, pair work, case studies, reflection.
Day 3
Empathy and constructive dialogue
Developing empathy in communication with parents.
Understanding different family perspectives and contexts.
Building trust and rapport with families.
Role-play exercises: parent–teacher meetings.
Group scenarios addressing sensitive topics in conversations with parents.
Reflection and peer feedback.
Methodology: role-play, simulations, group work.
Day 4
Managing difficult conversations and conflict
Communication styles: assertive, passive and aggressive communication.
Techniques for assertive and respectful dialogue.
Managing emotionally charged conversations.
Strategies for conflict resolution between teachers and parents.
Simulation activities involving challenging communication situations.
Methodology: role-play, communication games, group discussion.
Day 5
Building strong family–school partnerships
Strategies for involving parents in learning processes.
Developing inclusive communication approaches for diverse families.
Designing practical tools for improving communication with parents.
Group workshop: creating communication strategies for schools.
Presentation of ideas and peer feedback.
Course evaluation and reflection.
Dissemination and application planning.
Certification ceremony.
Methodology: collaborative workshop, presentations, reflection and evaluation.
Pedagoplus 